Rosenthal & Rosenthal's Harry Friedman and Smith Mandel & Associates' R. Douglas Smith
(Photo: Skip Hopkins Photography, Peak Photography)

Rosenthal & Rosenthal's Harry Friedman and Smith Mandel & Associates' R. Douglas Smith (Photo: Skip Hopkins Photography, Peak Photography)

HONORS

Harry Friedman and Doug Smith Honored at National Jewish Health Gala

The party kicked off in the garden at the Beverly Hills Hotel before the crowd of apparel-industry execs headed inside for National Jewish Health and Los Angeles Professional Services’ Black & White Ball, honoring Rosenthal & Rosenthal executive Harry W. Friedman and Smith Mandel & Associates’ R. Douglas Smith.

The guest list for the June 8 event was a who’s who of financial and legal professionals, as well as manufacturers. The evening was co-chaired by CIT’s Debbie Steinberg, Marcum LLP’s Ron Friedman and Continental Business Credit’s Fred F. Lionetti. Jodi Kristopher, Connected Apparel and Tantrum Apparel were presenting sponsors, as were Smith Mandel and Rosenthal & Rosenthal of California, the West Coast division of the New York–based factoring and finance company.

This year, Rosenthal & Rosenthal is celebrating its 75th anniversary as well as the 10th anniversary of its West Coast office.

Founded in 1997 by Smith and Steven J. Mandel, Smith Mandel & Associates LLP is a certified public accounting firm based in Burbank, Calif.

In introducing the honorees, Steinberg offered Friedman and Smith some advice: “Don’t forget to look out into the audience and know all these people are here to honor and support you,” she said.

The gala raised more than $450,000 for National Jewish Health, the Denver-based research and medical center that has been specializing in treatment of respiratory, immunologic and related disorders since 1899.

“The work this institution does on behalf of children and adults is remarkable,” said Marcum’s Friedman, who is a national trustee of the organization and a past honoree.

Harry Friedman was introduced by son Jason, who said his father’s “generosity is an inspiration,” and by Rosenthal & Rosenthal’s Jeff Enoch.

“Harry’s professional integrity has strengthened Rosenthal & Rosenthal’s position as a leader,” Enoch said. “He remains the most humble and modest individual I have ever met—a truly good guy.”

CIT’s Bob Lewin, a former National Jewish Health honoree, introduced Smith, who thanked his wife, Jane, and daughter, Betsy, for their support before addressing the evening’s guests.

“Harry and I want to thank all our friends for supporting a great cause—National Jewish Health," Smith said. The medical research is just phenomenal. Tonight was not about Doug and Harry but about our friends making a difference.”